Caregiver Burnout and Respite Care

Burnout is common among caregivers, and it is not a sign of failure. Taking steps to prevent it is part of caring for someone over the long run. This article covers the signs, what raises the risk, and how respite care can help.

What is caregiver burnout?

HelpGuide describes it as a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can follow stress that is left unchecked. Stress is common: the Center to Advance Palliative Care, summarizing AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving’s 2025 report, says 64 percent of caregivers reported moderate or high emotional stress.

What are the signs?

The National Institute on Aging lists these signs of caregiver stress:

• feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious.
• becoming easily angered or impatient.
• feeling lonely or disconnected from others.
• having trouble sleeping.
• feeling sad or hopeless, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
• frequent headaches, pain, or other physical problems.
• not having time to exercise or prepare healthy food.
• skipping showers or other personal care.
• misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines.

The Mayo Clinic adds gaining or losing weight. It also says caregivers may feel resentful, guilty, or isolated, and that people often feel ashamed and alone when these feelings strike. They are common.

Who is most at risk?

The Mayo Clinic lists caring for someone who needs constant care, feeling alone, feeling helpless or depressed, having money problems, and spending many hours caregiving. The Institute says caregivers are less likely than others to get checkups and preventive care, and tend to have a higher risk of physical and mental health problems, sleep problems, and high blood pressure.

Is it normal to feel resentful?

Yes. The National Cancer Institute says there is no right way to feel, and that the first step is knowing your feelings are normal. The executive director of The Caregiver Foundation says resentment, anger, and guilt are common, whether you become a caregiver gradually or suddenly. Love and resentment can exist together. If you are caring for someone with dementia, see Ambiguous Loss: Grieving Someone With Dementia Who Is Still Alive.

What is respite care?

Respite care gives a caregiver a break. The Institute suggests asking another family member or friend to step in, hiring an aide for a few hours a week, or signing the person up for an adult day program. Other forms include:

• In-home help. A University of Arizona information sheet says private-duty caregivers can help with tasks such as dressing or bathing, but cannot give medications.
• Adult day programs. The Eldercare Locator says these offer meals, personal care, activities, and respite.
• Short stays in a facility, and, for hospice patients, limited respite covered by Medicare, according to the Administration for Community Living.

Does using respite mean I am giving up?

No. A respite guide from VirginiaNavigator says planning regular respite is part of taking care of yourself, and that it is easier to arrange it and prevent burnout than to find reliable care after you are worn out.

Where can I find respite?

Start with your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116. Its National Family Caregiver Support Program includes respite. The Family Caregiver Alliance also points to the ARCH National Respite Locator. VirginiaNavigator notes that many Area Agencies on Aging offer short-term personal care in the home on a sliding fee.

When should I get professional help?

Sooner than you think. The Institute advises telling your doctor you are a caregiver, and says that if you feel anxious, frustrated, or depressed, help is available; ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor. If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

What do we still not know?

Sources describe burnout a little differently, and the signs vary from person to person. The survey figures describe caregivers overall, not a particular family.

Where can I learn more?

See Becoming a Caregiver: A Checklist for Getting Started and Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities With Siblings.

This is general guidance, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family’s situation is different; a doctor, social worker, or attorney can advise on yours.